Original Item: One-of-a-kind. Just purchased from a large military show. This hand painted cloth flag is marked with battle quotes such as "Banzai", and "Good Luck for Bravery". As with many good luck flags, the flag is marked with the Japanese phrase 久 長 運 武 祈, which reads Bu un Chou kyu Inoru ("A prayer that your military fortunes be long lasting.") In this case it is in the far right of the flag, written bottom to top.

There is a lot of writing on this flag, but thankfully most of it looks to be in the standard block style script, or "Kaisho" style. There might be a few in "gyōsho" "Semi-Cursive", but none look to be in the very stylized sōsho style. There are clear differences between the writing of some phrases, so this was definitely done by multiple people. It is most likely signed with the names of many friends and family, possibly also coworkers and the association that presented the flag.

The flag itself measures approximately 26 ½” x 35”, and actually looks to be made from fine silk cloth, with the red "sun" dyed into the middle. We were not able to feel the flag, so we can't be sure that it is not rayon, but the fraying pattern and sheen definitely look to be silk. Overall the flag is in good condition with some tearing present and is the real deal: a genuine USGI "bring back"!

The writing is still clearly legible, and this would make a fine display piece for a wall, as well as a translation project. The flag still has the original corner ties intact, but they are a little worn. The flag is contained in a high quality frame, which measures 33 ¾" x 42" and is ready to hang on the wall.

Ready to display!

The Good Luck Flag
Known as hinomaru yosegaki (日の丸 寄せ書き) in the Japanese language, was a traditional gift for Japanese servicemen deployed during the military campaigns of the Empire of Japan, though most notably during World War II. The flag given to a soldier was a national flag signed by friends and family, often with short messages wishing the soldier victory, safety, and good luck.

The Japanese call their country's flag hinomaru, which translates literally to "sun-round", referencing the red circle on a white field. When the hinomaru was signed, the Japanese characters were usually written vertically, and radiated outward from the edge of the red circle. This practice is referenced in the second term, yosegaki, meaning "sideways-writing".

The phrase hinomaru-yosegaki can be interpreted as "To write sideways around the red sun", describing the appearance of the signed flag. This particular example completely unique is written in old KANJI the writing are mainly Japanese names of this soldier's family and friends with quotes and phrases.